Rio Tinto and CQU sign on for learning partnership
Published on 30 April, 2008
A new learning partnership is being forged in Gladstone with the signing of an historic memorandum of understanding between Rio Tinto and Central Queensland University (CQU) this week (Monday, April 28).
The 2 organisations aim to support and enhance the availability of educational pathways through the innovative partnership, signed by Bill Wheatley (General Manager People & Organisation Support (Australasia) Rio Tinto) and Professor John Rickard (Vice-Chancellor & President, CQU).
Mr Wheatley said as a first step, Rio Tinto had co-located a small team on the Gladstone campus of CQU to work closely with Dr Pierre Viljoen, Head of the Gladstone Campus, and with academics from CQU's Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Health, Faculty of Business and Informatics, and Division of Teaching and Learning Services.
"Together we aim to provide opportunities to improve and develop new skills in order that people can have better career options," Mr Wheatley said.
"By working in partnership, there will be greater continuing professional education available in the Gladstone region, which is home to a large concentration of Rio Tinto assets and employees."
Professor Rickard said the new relationship would further enable CQU and Rio Tinto to work collaboratively with technical, further and higher education providers to skill for the future.
"We will be working to provide a program which emphasizes flexible learning as well as recognition of prior learning and work integrated learning - all leading to a life-long learning journey ," he said.
